#VetResources

World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles near the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the way to end all wars.”

This year, Veterans Day ceremonies recognized by VA will be held in 66 communities throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia to honor the nation's veterans.  

So that young Americans can better understand the commitment and sacrifice of these heroes in securing the blessings of liberty, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to present the 2023 Veterans Day Teachers Guide as a resource to assist educators in planning lessons and activities around Veterans Day.

The Strong Veterans Act of 2022 requires VA to conduct an annual Buddy Check Week. During the week of Oct. 16 to 20, all Veterans are invited to complete peer wellness, resiliency and S.A.V.E. training with a pledge to talk to 10 Veterans, families and caregivers and/or survivors. VA’s goal is to increase access to VA health and benefits, improve mental health, increase awareness on suicide prevention, decrease isolation and support peer networking.

Defense manufacturing jobs offer a thriving new career path. The ATDM program (Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing) offers not just a solution, but a promising path forward in the transition to civilian life.

Veterans have served with unwavering dedication. The ATDM program offers a new way to continue serving the country with valuable skills needed by the nation’s defense and manufacturing sectors. Consider this valuable opportunity for your next move.

For Veterans who have served our nation with dedication and sacrifice, finding opportunities to relax and rejuvenate is essential. The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) is a valuable resource that offers a chance for Veterans to enjoy well-deserved vacations without breaking the bank.

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Islands, a unique event unfolded, uniting Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors in a symphony of support and empowerment. The Pacific Islands Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) event, held in-person and virtually, served as a beacon of unity across the ocean's expanse. In this blog, we embark on a journey through this remarkable event, highlighting its dual format, its impact on the Hawaiian and Guamanian communities, and the heartwarming stories that emerged from Veterans and VA employees alike.

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) announced a first-of-its-kind public input campaign titled, “Help Design History.” The campaign invites the public to share design insight for the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial, which will be built on a designated site on the National Mall.

VHA's new podcast series, New Horizons in Health, features a candid discussion of psychedelic assisted therapies for Veterans experiencing mental health conditions.

Are you a Veteran with aspirations of entrepreneurship and business ownership? Do you need guidance to help you put your idea into action?

Shortly after my transition from the Marines, I was lost, separated from the structure of service and battling my invisible wounds. I soon found myself homeless on the streets of San Antonio grappling with a range of issues. My relationships with my buddies and family crumbled, and I was overcome by anger and despair.

Our Military Kids (OMK) is a national nonprofit group that provides extracurricular activity scholarships to children and teens (ages 3-18) of deployed National Guard and Reserve and post-9/11 combat-injured Veterans in treatment. OMK has expanded its eligibility criteria to include children of post-9/11 combat wounded, ill or injured Veterans with a VA individual disability rating of 30% or higher who are receiving treatment for a presumptive condition outlined in the PACT Act.